Practice Opportunities Research Articles

A randomized pragmatic feasibility trial to promote student perspective-taking on client physical activity level: a collaborative project

BackgroundHealth-care practitioners have opportunities to talk with clients about unhealthy behaviors. How practitioners approach these conversations involves skill to be effective. Thus, teaching health-care students to communicate empathetically with clients should promote effective client-practitioner conversations about health behavior change. The primary objective of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a theoretically informed intervention designed to improve perspective-taking.MethodsFor inclusion in this randomized mixed-methods parallel two-arm trial, participants needed to be a student at the investigators’ Canadian university and have completed course content on behavior change communication. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio, participants in Respiratory, Physical, and Occupational Therapy; Nurse Practitioner; and Kinesiology programs were randomly assigned to full or partial intervention conditions. Full intervention participants completed a perspective-taking workshop and practiced perspective-taking prior to an in-lab dialogue with a client-actor (masked to condition) about physical activity. Partial intervention participants received the workshop after the dialogue. We assessed feasibility and appropriateness by comparing recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes to criteria. We assessed acceptability (secondary outcome) by analyzing exit interviews.ResultsWe screened and randomized 163 participants (82 = full intervention; 81 = partial intervention). We fell slightly short of our recruitment success criteria (10–15 participants per program) when 2/50 Occupational Therapy students participated. We met some but not all of our protocol criteria: Some full intervention participants did not practice perspective-taking before the dialogue, because they did not see anyone during the practice period or did not have a practice opportunity. Psychometric outcomes met the criteria, except for one measure that demonstrated ceiling effects and low reliability (Cronbach’s alpha < .70). There were no adverse events related to participation.ConclusionsThe intervention should be largely feasible, appropriate, and acceptable to deliver. We suggest changes that are large enough to warrant conducting another pilot study. We outline recommended improvements that are applicable to researchers and educators interested in recruitment, adherence to home practice, and online uptake of the intervention.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively on November 8, 2023, at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06123507.

Integrating Robotics for Enhanced Business Operations

This research study delves into the strategic incorporation of robotics into global business operations, stressing the interaction between technological progress and geopolitical and economic factors. Through an analysis of historical events such as the Cold War, the rise of China, and the 2008 Financial Crisis, the study identifies trends that impact the development and spread of robotics technology. It also includes case studies of companies like Foxconn and Siemens, which shed light on the practical challenges and opportunities faced in different geopolitical and economic contexts. The findings emphasize the importance of geopolitical stability, regional dynamics, and workforce upskilling in the successful deployment of robotics. This research offers a comprehensive framework for businesses to navigate the complexities of international trade, geopolitical risks, and the changing robotics landscape, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency and sustainable growth in a globalized market.

Establishing a Marine Protected Area network using a Marine Spatial Planning approach: A reflection on practical challenges and opportunities for social–ecological integration

AbstractIntegrative social–ecological approaches are crucial for addressing sustainability challenges in coastal and marine systems. Among these, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a pivotal approach for integrated management. Often, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the application of MSP occur in parallel. Given the potential synergies, there is a need to better understand and address barriers to the adoption of MSP approaches for integrative conservation mechanisms. Using São Tomé and Príncipe as a case study, we illustrate how MSP was employed as an operational framework for establishing an MPA network. Drawing on the experiences of people directly involved in this co‐design process, we reflect on the main challenges and opportunities in achieving social–ecological integration, and highlight recommendations for conservation practitioners and planners. Applying MSP was perceived to contribute substantially to multiple project goals, with some (e.g., incorporating perspectives and needs of vulnerable groups) more challenging to achieve. While MSP enhanced conceptual, disciplinary, methodological and functional integration, practical challenges in implementation hindered the extent to which each of these was achieved. Given international commitments to Blue Growth, high fisheries dependence and current patterns of change, developing effective integrative MSP approaches is essential for social–ecological resilience.

A case study of the regional bioeconomy in Central Germany: construction with renewable resources

In response to global challenges like climate change and resource depletion, national and international policies are increasingly emphasising sustainability. The bioeconomy represents a promising field to reconcile environmental integrity with economic development. The objective of this study is to examine the role of renewable resources in the construction industry within the framework of the bioeconomy, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 11: ‘Sustainable cities and communities’. The case study analyses the practical challenges and opportunities for innovation in Central Germany through a comprehensive regional analysis of construction practices using renewable resources. The methodology involved monitoring biomass flows by assessing harvest yields, area shares and biomass potentials. It also analysed the importance of the bio-based economy by examining employment data and identifying potential growth sectors. Stakeholder engagement was facilitated through knowledge transfer workshops to encourage collaboration and innovation. The results of the study highlight key trends within the industry, including the increasing prevalence of timber buildings, wood as a renewable carbon source in the chemical industry and the growing demand for wood-based packaging solutions. Policy initiatives are playing a supportive role in driving these developments, taking advantage of the region’s extensive wood resources (14.7 million m3 harvested in 2021) and the significant employment contribution of the forestry, wood and construction industries (2% of total employment, representing no less than 81,506 employees). These figures demonstrate the potential for sustainable construction practices to drive local economic growth and contribute to wider environmental objectives.

The Analysis of Arabic Learning Error in Student of Madrasah Tsanawiyah

This study examines grammatical (nahwu) and morphological (shorrof) errors in Arabic essays by secondary students, aiming to identify and categorize these errors and their causes. It also proposes pedagogical interventions to improve Arabic language instruction by enhancing both theoretical understanding and practical application of linguistic rules. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews with supervisors, teachers, and students, as well as classroom observations and document analysis of student essays. The analysis followed the Ellis-Huberman framework: data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. Results revealed that student errors stemmed from limited understanding of grammar, interference from their mother tongue, and insufficient practice. Teacher-related factors included inadequate feedback and insufficient opportunities for practice. These issues hindered students' mastery of Arabic. The study recommends a combination of theoretical and applied exercises. Theoretical exercises help students grasp linguistic rules, while applied exercises improve writing skills. More frequent feedback and diverse teaching methods are also suggested to enhance learning outcomes. This research introduces a dual approach, integrating theoretical and applied exercises, offering valuable insights for improving Arabic language education at the secondary level.

How the cost of veterinary care impacts the wellbeing, learning and practice of early career vets.

Investigations by the Competition and Markets Authority into the veterinary sector have highlighted the cost of veterinary care. This paper examines the changing attitudes of early career vets towards these costs. Ninety-seven semi-structured interviews were held with 25 vets as part of a 2.5-year longitudinal study. An inductive approach to analysis was adopted with flexible thematic analysis being undertaken using NVivo 12. High veterinary care costs create a financial burden for clients and an emotional burden for vets. Vets felt unprepared to deal with restricted client budgets and were unsupported by their practices in relation to charging. When owners could not afford treatment, vets had fewer opportunities to perform procedures and practise their skills. Eventually, vets distanced themselves from their clients' circumstances to prioritise their own wellbeing and began to value their expertise and charge appropriately. The small sample size and emphasis on graduates of UK universities limit the generalisability of the findings. This paper highlights the impact of veterinary care costs on early career vets' wellbeing, practice and learning opportunities and advocates a 'spectrum of care' approach to veterinary education. It also encourages practices to engage with vets regarding charging behaviours.

Building independence in self-care and household tasks: a qualitative study with adolescents with cerebral palsy and their caregivers

Purpose Adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) may experience limitations in self-care and household tasks. The aim of the study was to understand the process of building independence in self-care and household tasks from the perspective of adolescents and their caregivers. Materials and methods We conducted a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach with 10 adolescents (15–17 years old) and 11 caregivers from a transition service in Brazil. Semistructured, remote interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded for transcription and content analysis. Results Two thematic categories emerged: (1) “Thinking about independence” and (2) “Possible ways to foster independence.” The first category was divided into three subcategories: “Expectations and the desire to be independent,” “Obstacles to independence,” “Concerns about the future.” The second category was divided into four subcategories: “People and places,” “Opportunities for practice,” “Personal attitude” and “Adaptations that facilitate.” Conclusion Adolescents’ independence in several everyday activities involves physical, socioemotional and environmental aspects. Enabling opportunities for practice, an adapted environment, support from rehabilitation services and developing collaborative relationships with caregivers are elements that may favor the independence of adolescents with CP.

ESCAPE ROOMS IN GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO LEARNING AND TEACHING

Background: The use of escape rooms in education has gained traction as an innovative pedagogical approach to enhancing student engagement and alleviating learning-related anxiety. This study explored the effectiveness of escape rooms as an instructional tool in geography education, with a particular focus on Generation Z students, who are known for their preference for practical learning opportunities and active engagement.Results: The study conducted an educational experiment involving Hungarian 7th grade students, comparing the escape room methodology with traditional frontal teaching methods. The results indicated that students exposed to escape rooms exhibited heightened engagement and sustained attention compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, students generally preferred collaborative escape room sessions, which provided opportunities for social interaction and shared responsibilities. Analysis of end of-unit test results revealed a positive correlation between escape room methodology and student performance, particularly in tasks requiring higher cognitive levels and evaluation.Conclusions: The findings suggest that escape rooms align well with the learning preferences of Generation Z students, and contribute to enhanced student engagement, attention, and learning outcomes in geography education. Escape rooms offer a gamified approach that resonates with the characteristics and preferences of modern learners, emphasizing the importance of innovative teaching strategies tailored to contemporary student needs. These insights underscore the potential of escape rooms as an effective in structional tool for fostering meaningful learning experiences.

Installation of Clean Water Piping for Resident on Jl. Arjuna, RW 08 and 09, East Labuh Baru, Pekanbaru

Water is a crucial resource for sustaining life; however, access to it through the Regional Drinking Water Company (Indonesian: Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum [PDAM]) remains limited in certain communities. As a result, residents frequently depend on groundwater sourced through independent pumping by households, places of worship, public facilities, private and government offices, and others. An assessment of the buildings on Jl. Arjuna RW 08 and 09, East Labuh Baru District, Pekanbaru, indicates a significant lack of adequate clean water installation systems, highlighting a need for targeted community service efforts. This initiative aims to rectify these deficiencies by drilling wells to establish reliable sources of clean water and installing a comprehensive clean water piping system to ensure effective distribution from the source to the end users, thus aligning with Indonesian National Standards (SNI). The project involves faculty members as part of their commitment to the tri-dharma of higher education, offering both a practical learning opportunity for students and a valuable service to the community.

Comparing co-teaching and single instructor approaches on student satisfaction in online medical English courses

This study examined the dissatisfaction among Chinese medical students with online medical English courses, which overemphasize grammar yet fail to provide practical opportunities related to medical situations. This study compared co-teaching’s effects, involving native and non-native instructors, with a single-instructor (traditional) model on student satisfaction in online medical English courses. Using a qualitative design, pre- and post-course interviews were conducted with 49 second-year medical students across seven classes, exploring their perceptions of instruction, curriculum, and course satisfaction. The findings indicated that the co-teaching model improved student engagement and satisfaction, not specifically due to the native English-speaking instructor but likely because of the focus on more interactive and discussion-oriented strategies. In contrast, the single-instructor model maintained the traditional grammar-focused instruction, leading to lower satisfaction levels. Both instructional models faced limitations related to their reliance on textbooks for delivering core material needed for the course’s comprehensive exam. These results suggest that the instruction design and approach, rather than the native instructor alone, was the main driver of positive outcomes in co-teaching. The study’s findings suggest a need for curriculum reforms that reduce textbook dependence and incorporate more practical, interactive learning strategies. Future research should consider applying various research techniques, such as mixed-method approaches, longitudinal studies, and experimental designs, to comprehensively assess the long-term effects of instructional strategies and curriculum innovations on student outcomes.

Response to workplace aggression in forensic and secure mental health services: Investigating staff confidence, associated factors, and training needs.

To evaluate forensic and secure mental health services (FSMHS) staff's confidence in managing workplace aggression, identify associated factors, and explore their workplace aggression prevention training needs. Through an online survey, staff rated their experience of workplace aggression, perceived effectiveness of current training, and confidence in responding to workplace aggression, and described training needs. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify associated factors with statistical significance. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes describing their training needs. The staff perceived current training as low-to-medium in effectiveness, mirroring their confidence in managing workplace aggression. Nurses experienced more workplace aggression compared to other professions. Staff working at High Security perceived current training as less effective compared to those working at Medium Security or Low Security. Qualitative findings underscored the necessity for improved training content, methods, and supportive strategies. Recommendations for enhancing training include: tailoring training to FSMHS settings; equally focussing on both non-physical and physical intervention techniques; providing more scenario-based hands-on practice opportunities; delivering training in a reasonable trainer-trainee ratio; prioritising nurses and High Security staff and integrating other professions into the training framework; and implementing strategies that support staff, consumers, and environment to ensure training effectiveness and applicability.

A Model for Enhancing Leadership Competencies for Students in Communication Engineering Majors at Universities in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China

Background and Aims: The subject of leadership competencies is well-documented in the broader educational literature. Numerous studies underscore the importance of leadership competencies for university graduates, elucidating the significant impact these competencies have on career progression, personal growth, and the ability to contribute effectively to the organizational and societal context. This research aims to explore this underrepresented territory. This research endeavors to develop a comprehensive and robust model designed explicitly for building student leadership competencies in communication engineering. Methodology: In the evolving landscape of higher education, leadership competencies are increasingly recognized as vital for the professional success of graduates. This study sought to develop and validate a model specifically designed to enhance the leadership competencies of communication engineering students in universities located in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China. Methodology: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study encompassed a survey of 2003 students across five universities, with a substantial response rate yielding 831 questionnaires. The instruments used for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a Model Validation form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, such as mean, frequency, percentage, and the PNIModified analytical tool. Results: Results indicated a moderate Mean PNIModified value of 0.363 across the leadership competencies evaluated. Competencies requiring immediate attention due to their higher-than-average PNIModified values included adaptability (0.541), conflict resolution (0.478), self-awareness and emotional intelligence (0.442), and communication (0.367). These areas were identified as the primary weaknesses in the student body’s leadership profiles. In contrast, competencies such as teamwork and collaboration (0.116), social responsibility (0.293), and commitment (0.307) were recognized as strengths, with PNIModified values below the mean. The study considered many factors impacting leadership development, including the learning environment, experiential and practical opportunities, self-reflective practices, educational support, and the cultivation of teamwork and interpersonal skills. The research also considered elements influencing leadership competencies, such as engagement in activities, pedagogical methods, learning settings, critical thinking exercises, professional mentorship, and assessment strategies. Following expert consultation and iterative refinement, the study proposes a model comprising four extracurricular initiatives to bolster the underdeveloped leadership competencies. This model aspires to serve as a strategic blueprint for nurturing leadership capacities within the communication engineering student demographic in Xiamen City, thereby equipping them with the skills essential for their future roles in the workforce. Conclusion: The study reveals a varied profile of leadership skills among Xiamen City communication engineering students, emphasizing the need to address immediate deficiencies in communication, self-awareness, conflict resolution, and adaptability. It seeks to improve these competencies by putting forth a customized model, guaranteeing that students are prepared for jobs in the workforce in the future.

Curriculum Innovations: Enhancing Skills in Serious Illness Communication in Neurology Residents Using Simulation: A Pilot Study.

Patients with acute ischemic stroke are faced with prognostic uncertainty, progressive decline, and early mortality. Many neurologists report a lack of education and experience in providing palliative care. We developed a simulation-based curriculum to improve residents' confidence and comfort with conducting late-stage goals of care (GOC) conversations. To assess and improve neurology residents' self-reported confidence and comfort around GOC discussions, prognostication, and hospice; encourage neurology residents to conduct GOC conversations early in the illness; introduce neurology residents to a structured framework for conducting GOC conversations; facilitate the residents to build rapport and convey a mindful presence during GOC conversations; provide direct, real-time feedback and an opportunity for redo and practice; and identify gaps for education. The 3-hour experience included a didactic session followed by an interactive simulation and debriefing. The residents' objectives were to deliver difficult news, discuss prognosis, explore goals, navigate treatment options, and discuss end-of-life care including hospice. The faculty observed each interaction and called time-outs to allow the residents to self-assess and obtain feedback. Residents and faculty debriefed to identify take-home points and to reflect on their emotions, self-care, and sense of purpose in medicine. Twenty-six neurology residents filled out an anonymous presurvey to self-assess their confidence and comfort surrounding GOC conversations. More than 50% of residents reported being confident in conducting GOC discussions, whereas only 42% reported adequate prior training. Postsession, more than 90% of residents reported that training was relevant, helpful, organized, and clear. Faculty identified that residents had difficulty addressing prognosis, assessing goals, planning treatment, and using silence, responding to emotion, and displaying empathy. Fifteen residents filled out a postsurvey that revealed improved comfort with delivering prognosis, discussing hospice, and initiating early GOC discussions. Our project uniquely focuses on late-stage GOC conversations and builds on existing literature that supports a structured program with both didactic and simulation components to improve residents' abilities to effectively navigate GOC conversations with patients and families. Future work will focus on reinforcement and reassessment of communication skills.

Motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand: A mixed methods study.

Podiatry enrolments at Australian and New Zealand universities have decreased by 17.3% since 2015, which threatens the profession's sustainability and the health and wellbeing of Australian and New Zealand people and communities. Reasons for this decline remain unclear due to insufficient evidence on factors influencing career choices. The overarching aim of this study was to identify motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. Students enrolled in (i) podiatry and (ii) relevant non-podiatry health, sport or science programs at nine Australian and one New Zealand university, were invited to participate in an online survey. First-year podiatry students were also invited to participate in an online workshop. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear/logistic regression models. Three independent assessors used inductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Overall, 278 podiatry students (mean age 24.9±8.5years, 65.1% female) and 553 non-podiatry students (mean age 24.8±8.2years, 75.4% female; 32.2% from physiotherapy and 29.1% from occupational therapy) responded to the survey. Interest in a health-related career, wanting to make a difference to people's health, and opportunity to care for people from different backgrounds/age groups were key motivating factors among podiatry students. Barriers to studying podiatry were encountered by 28.1% of podiatry students. Thematic analysis identified seven themes concerning career choice, which are as follows: (i) awareness of profession and scope of practice; (ii) stereotypes and negative perceptions of the profession; (iii) awareness of career pathways; (iv) job prospects and earning potential; (v) working with people and building relationships; (vi) podiatry is not the first preference; and (vii) barriers which limit student enrolment. There are a variety of factors that motivate and influence students to study podiatry, however, altruistic reasons are most highly rated. Allied health students have limited understanding of the scope of practice and career opportunities in podiatry. Additionally, the podiatry profession often faces negative stereotypes. Further work is required to reverse the negative stereotypes and perceptions of podiatry and build knowledge of the profession's scope of practice, career pathways/opportunities, job prospects and earning potential.

Azerbaıjan’s Relations wıth Central Asian Turkic States and Energy Diplomacy

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Turkic states in the Caucasus and Central Asia encountered significant political, economic, and social crises, which profoundly shaped their foreign policies. By 1993, Azerbaijan, having achieved political stability, began capitalizing on its energy resources to engage in global projects and incorporated Russia into its strategy. Through effective use of both hard and soft power in its energy diplomacy, Azerbaijan strengthened its ties with Western countries. This strategy not only cemented Azerbaijan's independence on a solid political and economic basis but also established its energy export model as a crucial component in the integration of Turkic states. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War has revived opportunities for enhanced cooperation among these nations. This study investigates the evolution of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy with Turkic states since independence and posits that the Russia-Ukraine conflict will further promote energy cooperation. Initially, the study outlines the framework of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy. It then examines the legal foundations of its energy relations with Central Asian Turkic states. Finally, the study explores practical collaborations and potential opportunities in energy diplomacy both before and after the onset of the war.

Clinical Practice Ability and Related Factors Among Senior Undergraduate Nursing Students Post-Clinical Internship: A Latent Profile Analysis

The shortage of nurses and inadequate clinical practice abilities among senior undergraduate nursing students has raised significant concerns globally. The discrepancy between nursing education and practical skill requirements in hospitals is the primary contributor to this issue. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) explore potential classifications for assessing the clinical practice abilities of senior undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice, (2) identify distinct subgroups based on their clinical practice abilities, and (3) analyze the factors influencing these subgroups. Design: This was a cross-sectional study using latent profile analysis. Participants: A total of 336 fourth-year nursing students who had recently completed clinical practice were included in this study. Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic factors, the Nursing Professional Attitude Questionnaire (NPAQ), and the Environmental Assessment Scale for Nursing Clinical Practice. The Clinical Ability Scale for Undergraduate Nursing Students (CCSUNS) measures clinical practice abilities. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of students based on their clinical practice abilities. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing these subgroups. Results: Three profiles of clinical practice ability were identified: (1) "low level - guidance dependent" (51.79%), (2) "intermediate - response improvement" (33.85%), and (3) "high level - autonomous decision-making" (16.37%). Key influencing factors included gender, academic performance, professional nursing attitude, and the clinical practice environment. Conclusions: More than half of the senior nursing students demonstrated poor clinical practice abilities. Enhancing the clinical practice environment, increasing practical opportunities, fostering professional attitudes, and addressing gender equality are critical for improving clinical practice abilities. Future multicenter longitudinal studies are recommended to explore changes in clinical practice abilities over time and across different stages of clinical practice.

Application of 3D printing in neurosurgical medical teaching and surgical training: Bibliometric analysis and prospects

Background: Traditional education in neurosurgery primarily relies on observation, giving residents and interns limited opportunities for clinical practice. However, the development of 3D printing has the potential to improve this situation. Based on bibliometrics, we analyze the application of 3D printing technology in neurosurgery medical education and surgical training. Methods: We searched the publications in this field in Web of Science core collection database from September 2000 to September 2023. VOS viewer, Citespace and Microsoft Office Excel were used to visually analyze and draw knowledge graphs. Results: A total of 231 articles and reviews were included. The United States is the country with the largest volume of articles and Mayo Clinic is the leading organization in this field. Partnership between countries, authors and institutions is also presented. World Neurosurgery is the journal with the highest number of publications. The top three key words by occurrence rate are “3D printing”, “surgery” and “simulation”. Conclusions: In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the research in this field. According to bibliometric analysis, “accuracy” and “surgery simulation” are the research focuses in this field, while “augment reality” is the potential research target.

GROUP-WORK ACTIVITIES FOR NON-ENGLISH MAJORED STUDENTS TO PROMOTE SPEAKING SKILLS IN EFL CLASSROOMS AT DONG NAI TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

English language proficiency is crucial for academic and professional success, with effective communication skills playing a pivotal role. Collaborative teaching methods, particularly group work, can significantly enhance students' creativity, evaluation, synthesis, analysis, and comparison, as well as problem-solving, essential for developing collaborative abilities. Furthermore, non-English major students often struggle to develop their speaking skills due to limited practice opportunities. This study addresses this challenge by implementing group-work activities in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather data including quantitative data collected through a questionnaire administered to 71 non-major students at Dong Nai Technology University and qualitative data came from semi-structured interviews. The results showed that group work significantly improved students' fluency, coherence, and confidence. Students reported increased motivation and engagement in speaking activities. These findings suggest that group-work activities effectively enhance speaking skills for non-English major students.

Mitigating Misinformation Toolkit: A Medical Student Role-Play Curriculum on Communication Techniques to Facilitate Vaccine Misinformation Conversations.

The COVID pandemic and affiliated infodemic led to widespread health misinformation, generating confusion and distrust. Physicians must identify and address misinformation, with attention to cultural/health literacy, equity, and autonomy. Most medical students receive training in core communication techniques but are rarely taught how to combat misinformation with patients and lack opportunities for practice in diverse settings. We used mixed methods to evaluate the impact of a role-play-based training curriculum on 44 third- and fourth-year medical students' comfort and confidence applying ask-respond-tell-seek solutions (ARTS) and motivational interviewing (MI) to discuss vaccine hesitancy, using COVID-19 as an example. There were three training iterations: prior to volunteering at a community health fair, during a medicine clinical rotation, and during a pediatrics rotation. Pre- and postsession questionnaires were administered. Likert-scale questions assessed comfort and confidence using ARTS and MI. Narrative responses focused on previous experiences with vaccine hesitancy, challenges faced, and session takeaways. Students' comfort, confidence with ARTS/MI, and self-reported ability to discuss COVID-19 vaccinations improved as measured by pre- and postsession surveys (p < .05). Qualitatively, students reported increased confidence delivering recommendations in plain language and exploring patients' thought processes behind choices. Reinforcement of core communications strategies in medical school can positively impact trainees' ability and ease addressing misinformation. We recommend this 45-minute training session to effectively increase medical students' comfort and confidence in discussing COVID-19 vaccines with patients. It can be adapted to any health professions school with an existing communications thread.

Predictive Analysis of Clinical Pharmacist Talent Demand in Yunnan: A Grey GM(1,1) Model Approach with Insights from Kunming Medical University

Objective: Leveraging the Grey GM(1,1) model, we aimed to forecast the clinical pharmacist demand in Yunnan province. This was done using Kunming Medical University as a case study to inform effective talent cultivation strategies. Material and Methods: Historical demographic and educational data from Yunnan informed our Grey GM(1,1) model to predict future demands for clinical pharmacists accurately. Results: The population of Yunnan peaked at 46.53 million in 2014, experienced a slight decline in 2015, and then increased to 46.93 million in 2022. Concurrently, enrollment plans for clinical pharmacists at higher medical colleges are projected to grow, with an anticipated intake of 114 students in 2023. Despite this growth, and considering Yunnan’s aging demographic, there is an emerging demand for 3,000 clinical pharmacists by 2027, with a forecasted shortfall of 1,250 personnel. Conclusion: To address this significant gap, it is crucial to refine the clinical pharmacy curriculum at Kunming Medical University, by incorporating more hands-on experiences and strengthening collaborations with clinical medical institutions to enhance practical training opportunities for students.